The North Bay Organizers and Coaches is a private consortium of organizers and coaches who work in the area north of San Francisco: Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties. This site offers the public a chance to view our members' profiles and services.

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READY, SET, GO!

Hello! Now that you found this article about how to choose a Professional Organizer, let’s take a look back at how you got here and where you can go…

GET READY - Ask and Clarify

Ask * We all need help and it’s okay to ask. We bring more things into our homes than we take out and, as clutter accumulates, it can become overwhelming.

Dining room table piled high with papers? Clothes draped on chairs because the closets are full? Kitchen counters covered because cabinets are stuffed? Moving and don’t know where to start? Guests coming? Office too cluttered to use? Maybe you have ended up in the only empty recliner or in a corner of your sofa in front of the TV! Professional Organizers have seen it all and are here to help.

Clarify * In order to clarify what help YOU need, write down a few problem areas in your home with your thoughts and feelings about them and how your life can change with more organization. What are your goals? Share this information with the Professional Organizer whom you choose.

GET SET – Information and Budget

Information * With more information your first step won’t be so intimidating. Professional Organizers specialize in organizing, of course! Family or friends or community groups, while helpful, may not have organizational skills or have a different idea of what is to be done and have judgements about your situation.

If you haven’t used a Professional Organizer before then ask around or look on the internet to gather information about types of Organizers. Some specialize in garages, commercial or home offices, closets or kitchens but most are “generalists” and are skilled in many areas of organizing. Skill sets, training, experience and personalities vary. Read their Profiles and look at their websites.

Some Organizers are members of groups with a Code of Ethics such as the national group NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) and/or local groups e.g. NBOC (North Bay Organizers and Coaches) where you are reading this right now!

Budget * You are investing in yourself and your family. You will save the time you spend looking for things and moving things to find what you need. You will save the money you spend replacing lost items. You will save the stress and embarrassment that is caused by disorganization and clutter!

Consider what you are able and willing to spend on this investment. As a general guideline, Professional Organizers charge between $35-$85 per hour depending on experience and skill set. Some Professional Organizers offer package pricing. (Lower prices don’t always mean a better value.)

NOW GO! – Questions to Ask

Make your first call. Go ahead and make a 2nd or 3rd call until you find the right fit for you. As a group, Professional Organizers are a caring and friendly lot so plunge ahead!

How long have you been in business?

What are your skills and training?

How do you charge?

Describe your approach to organizing

Do you have a written Contract? A Code of Ethics?

Will you provide References?

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Your relationship with a Professional Organizer is a personal one. Hiring one is your choice so if you wish to try one with a different approach just be honest and ask for a referral.

This post was created by the following NBOC member:Margo Hansen of HansenResource Organizing